How can I prevent rainwater from pooling on my PVC tarpaulin?

To prevent water from pooling, always create a gentle slope of at least 10 per cent and stretch the tarpaulin taut using elastic straps or suitable fastenings.

Can I clean my PVC tarpaulin with a high-pressure washer?

This is not recommended at high power settings. Cleaning with a sponge, lukewarm water and mild soap is more than sufficient to preserve the PVC’s UV protection.

Are there any PVC tarpaulins without eyelets?

Yes, our XP640 PVC tarpaulin range is available with or without eyelets. You can also opt for a made-to-measure tarpaulin, sold by the linear metre.

What does the commercial warranty of up to 15 years cover?

Depending on the product range, the warranty covers manufacturing defects, abnormal deterioration caused by UV light and loss of watertightness when the product is used in accordance with the instructions.

What should I do if I’m not sure which size to choose for my PVC tarpaulin?

Our administrative and after-sales team, based in France, is available by telephone or email to assist you before you place your order.

Home The blog space PVC tarpaulins: 5 mistakes to avoid to protect your equipment effectively

PVC tarpaulins: 5 mistakes to avoid to protect your equipment effectively

By Bâches Direct

Published on 30-09-2026

Last updated 30-09-2026

Tips PVC

Buying a waterproof PVC tarpaulin is an excellent first step, but you still need to fit it properly and look after it! Even the best truck-style tarpaulin won’t do its job if it’s fitted incorrectly or not looked after properly.

To ensure your investment lasts and to protect your equipment, here are the five most common mistakes to avoid and the best practices to follow: choose the right size, tension the tarpaulin correctly, select suitable fixings, store it properly, and choose a high-quality product or a reputable supplier.

5 mistakes to avoid and tips for effectively protecting your equipment

Mistake 1: Failing to tension the tarpaulin properly and allowing pockets of water to form

This is undoubtedly the most common and damaging mistake. Laying a tarpaulin too loosely or completely flat creates what is known as a ‘sink effect’. As soon as the first showers fall, rainwater accumulates in the centre, forming a pool weighing several tens of kilos. This weight remains stationary, warps the PVC fabric, puts strain on the structure beneath and eventually tears away the fixing points under the excessive weight.

Example: On a pile of firewood covered flat, water will seep in via capillary action where the tarpaulin sags. The wood remains damp and the tarpaulin is subjected to unnecessary, continuous tension.
Best practice: Always create a slope of at least 10 per cent to facilitate the natural run-off of rainwater. On garden furniture or a pile of wood, place a bulky object in the centre (a ball, a wedge or a taller log) to form a dome. Then secure your tarpaulin using elastic straps: these maintain constant tension whilst adapting to changes in the weather.

Mistake 2: Choosing the wrong size (too short or ill-fitting)

Choosing the right size is crucial. A tarpaulin that is too short leaves the bases of structures or the legs of furniture exposed to the elements and dirt… Conversely, a tarpaulin that is too large and drags on the ground or flaps excessively will flap about at the slightest gust of wind. This repeated friction will eventually damage the PVC tarpaulin and fail to protect your belongings properly.

Example: If you cover a trailer with a tarpaulin that is too large without tucking it in or securing it, the wind will rush underneath it. Whilst driving, the tarpaulin will flap violently, risking tearing its eyelets and putting strain on your vehicle’s side panels.
Best practice: Take the exact measurements of your equipment (Length x Width x Height), allowing for sufficient overhang without the tarpaulin touching the wet ground directly. With over 50,000 products in stock, our catalogue offers a vast selection of ready-to-use standard sizes. For specific projects, opt for bespoke tarpaulins: you’ll get a fit accurate to the nearest centimetre, ideal for both appearance and durability.

Mistake 3: Neglecting the fixing points and the choice of accessories

Securing a heavy-duty tarpaulin with kitchen string, wire or tight sailor’s knots is the surest way to ruin it. During a gust of wind, a rigid fastening transfers the full force of the impact directly to the eyelet.

Example: On a pergola or terrace exposed to the wind, tying the tarpaulin to the posts with fixed rope creates violent jolts with every gust. The stress concentrated on just a few points will eventually cause them to give way.
Best practice: Use flexible fastenings. Elastic lanyards (or elastic tensioners) act as shock absorbers: they absorb the wind pressure and then return the tarpaulin to its original position without putting excessive strain on the material. Make sure you use all the eyelets distributed around the edge of the tarpaulin.

Mistake 4: Neglecting to look after it (neglecting cleaning and storage)

Admittedly, PVC tarpaulins of the type used on lorries are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, but allowing dirt to build up year after year impairs their performance. Residue from dead leaves, moss and water can damage the surface of the tarpaulin if it is never cleaned. Similarly, folding up a tarpaulin whilst it is still damp to store it in the garage leaves it vulnerable to mould and unpleasant odours.

Example: After protecting your garden furniture all winter, you fold up the cover in spring whilst it is still drenched with dew and covered in dirt. When you unpack it, the fabric is sticky, stained and gives off a musty smell.
Best practice: Simple maintenance is enough to double the lifespan of your equipment. When the warmer weather returns, brush the cover with warm soapy water. Avoid harsh detergents, solvents and high-pressure washers that come into direct contact with the fabric, as these may damage the UV-protective coating. Leave it to dry completely flat in the sun before folding it carefully and storing it away from light and rodents.

Mistake 5: Buying a low-end product with no guarantee or advice

To save a few euros at the time of purchase, it’s very tempting to opt for low-end covers. Unfortunately, these budget covers often lack UV protection or have poor-quality finishes. After just one season, the PVC tarpaulin may already be damaged. Should any problems or technical queries arise, the lack of customer service leaves the user with no recourse.

Example: You buy an untreated, discount tarpaulin to protect your building site equipment. After six months, due to exposure to ultraviolet rays, it is already badly damaged (plastic dust, holes, etc.), forcing you to buy a replacement urgently after your equipment has suffered damage.
Best practice: Think of a PVC tarpaulin as a genuine long-term investment. Choose the Tecplast PVC ranges, designed to last and backed by a commercial warranty of up to 15 years, depending on the model. This gives you complete peace of mind, supported by an administrative and logistics team based in France, who are always available by phone or email to guide you before, during and after installation.

PVC tarpaulins: installation mistakes versus best practice

Problem / Error encountered	Risk to the tarpaulin or equipment	Recommended Solution & Accessories	Benefits of the Tecplast PVC Range
Immersion water pockets	Structural failure, deformation	Gradient of at least 10% + optimum tension	Heavy-duty lorry tarpaulin material, 100% waterproof and UV-resistant
Rigid mounting	Eyelets torn by the wind	Use of tensioners or elastic straps	Tecplast integrated eyelets and elastic straps available in a wide range of sizes and colours
Approximate size	Exposed to the wind / unprotected areas	Precise measurements or bespoke design	Over 50,000 products in stock or made to order.
Folded, damp storage	Mould / dirt and stubborn stains	Gentle cleaning + flat drying	A surface treatment makes PVC tarpaulins easy to wash

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I prevent rainwater from pooling on my PVC tarpaulin?

To prevent water from pooling, always create a gentle slope of at least 10 per cent and stretch the tarpaulin taut using elastic straps or suitable fastenings.
Can I clean my PVC tarpaulin with a high-pressure washer?

This is not recommended at high power settings. Cleaning with a sponge, lukewarm water and mild soap is more than sufficient to preserve the PVC’s UV protection.
Are there any PVC tarpaulins without eyelets?

Yes, our XP640 PVC tarpaulin range is available with or without eyelets. You can also opt for a made-to-measure tarpaulin, sold by the linear metre.
What does the commercial warranty of up to 15 years cover?

Depending on the product range, the warranty covers manufacturing defects, abnormal deterioration caused by UV light and loss of watertightness when the product is used in accordance with the instructions.
What should I do if I’m not sure which size to choose for my PVC tarpaulin?

Our administrative and after-sales team, based in France, is available by telephone or email to assist you before you place your order.

By avoiding these 5 simple mistakes, you’ll maximise the lifespan of your Tecplast PVC tarpaulin and ensure your furniture and equipment are fully protected. Take the time to secure your tarpaulin properly: this is the key to effective protection for many years to come!